Wearable case for a mobile device

ABSTRACT

A wearable case for a mobile device includes a flexible body defining an internal recess and having a front portion with a face aperture to the recess, a back portion with a back aperture to the recess, and a side portion. A wristband extends from the body portion. Another wearable case includes a flexible body, a strap, and a storage member. Yet another wearable case includes a first shell having a series of facets, a second shell having a series of facets, and a chain. Another wearable case includes a first shell having a recessed fitting adjacent to a face aperture for receiving a mobile device, a second shell, and a hinge connecting the first shell to the second shell.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments relate to wearable cases for a mobile device.

BACKGROUND

Mobile devices, such as a portable music device, personal digital assistant, or the like, may be placed into a case or other protective covering to prolong the lifetime of the device, preserve the outer appearance of the device, and protect the device from shocks or other forces when the device is dropped or being used. A case may also be used for user convenience in carrying the device. The mobile devices are becoming increasingly smaller in size.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a wearable case for a mobile device includes a flexible body defining an internal recess. The flexible body has a front portion defining a face aperture to the recess, a back portion defining a back aperture to the recess, and a side portion. The case has a wristband extending from the body portion.

In another embodiment, a wearable case for a mobile device includes a flexible body defining an internal recess. The flexible body has a front portion defining a face aperture to the recess. The case has a strap extending from the body portion and a storage member having a first end and a second end, with the first end connected to the body.

In yet another embodiment, a wearable case for a mobile device includes a first shell having a series of facets, and a second shell having a series of facets. The first shell defines an aperture in place of one of the facets, and has a first fastener portion. The second shell has a second fastener portion for mating with the first fastener portion to releasably connect the first and second shells together. The case has a chain having a first end and a second end, with the first and second ends connected to one of the first and second shells.

In another embodiment, a wearable case for a mobile device includes a first shell having a first end and a second end and defining a face aperture, a second shell having a first end and a second end, and a hinge connecting the first end of the first shell to the first end of the second shell. The first shell has an outer surface and an inner surface, with the inner surface defining a recessed fitting adjacent to the face aperture for receiving a mobile device. The second end of the first shell and the second end of the second shell abut one another when the hinge is closed such that the first and second shells form a band.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a case for a mobile device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a left side view of the case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the case of FIG. 1

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the case of FIG. 1

FIG. 7 is another rear perspective view of the case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a case for a mobile device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the case of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a case for a mobile device according to yet another embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the case of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a case for a mobile device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the case of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a case for a mobile device according to yet another embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the case of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a case for a mobile device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the case of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the case of FIG. 16 illustrated in an unfolded position;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a case for a mobile device according to yet another embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a side perspective view of the case of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a case for a mobile device according to another embodiment; and

FIG. 22 is a side view of the case of FIG. 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

FIGS. 1-7 illustrate an embodiment of a case 50 for a mobile device 52. The case 50 acts as a wristwatch or allows the mobile device 52 to be worn about the wrist of a user in some embodiments. The case 50 has a body 54 connected to a wristband or band 56. The wristband 56 may be integrally formed with the case body 54, or be attached to the case body 54 by a spring bar or other mechanism as is known in the art. The wristband 56 has a clasp 58 connected to one end of the band 56 to allow the case 50 to be worn around the wrist of a user, and various clasps 58 as are known in the art are contemplated. For example, the clasp 58 interacts with a series of apertures 60, or a mating portion of the clasp 58 on the opposing end of the band 56.

The case body 54 has a front portion 62, a back portion 64, and side portions 66. Although the case body 54 is shown as generally rectangular, any case 54 shape may be used as is known in the art. The case body 54 defines an internal recess 68 which is sized to receive the mobile device 52. The case body 54 has a face aperture 70 on the front portion 64 which allows the screen 72 of a mobile device 52 to be viewed or accessed when the mobile device 52 is positioned within the case 50. For example, in cases 50 having a face aperture 70, the device 52 may be inserted or removed from the recess 68 in the case 50 via the face aperture 70.

In some embodiments, the case body 54 also defines a back aperture 74 on the back portion 64 of the case 50, e.g. the portion 64 adjacent to the wrist of a user during use. The back aperture 74 may be sized such that the mobile device 52 may only be inserted or removed from the case 50 though the back aperture 74, which would prevent accidental removal of the device 52 from the case 50 while the case 50 is being worn. Also, the back aperture 74 may provide additional case body flexibility since less structure is present than in a case with a face aperture 70 alone. The back aperture 74 also reduces the weight of the case 50.

The front and rear apertures 70, 74 are connected to the recess 68 such that access to the recess is possible through either aperture 70, 74.

In some embodiments, the case body 54 is made from a flexible material, such as a polymer, i.e. silicone, natural or synthetic rubber, or other resilient material as is known in the art, such that the case body is deformed during insertion or removal of the mobile device 52 from the case 50. In some embodiments, the case body 54 and wristband 56 are integrally formed from the same flexible material.

In one embodiment, the case 50 has only a front aperture 70, and the case body 54 and the front portion 68 stretch and deform during insertion or removal of the device 52. When the device 52 is within the case 50, the case body 54 is either undeformed, or is slightly deformed to securely hold the device 52.

In another embodiment, the case 50 has both a front and back aperture 70, 74 and the device 52 is placed within the case body 54 via the back aperture 74. The case body 54 and the back portion 64 stretch and deform to allow the device 52 to be inserted into the recess 68 of the case body 54 via the back aperture 74. The back aperture 74 may have a degree of elasticity and be sized such that it is larger than the front aperture 70 to allow for insertion/removal of the device 52 only through the back aperture 74 and prevent insertion/removal of the device 52 through the front aperture 70.

The case body 54 may have several apertures 76 or other features on the side portion 66 to correspond with and allow for access and control of buttons or switches 78, data ports 80, and/or jack inputs 82 of the device 52. For example, the device 52 may have a power button, selector buttons or switches, and the like. The buttons 78 may be tactile, toggle, or others as are known in the art. The device 52 may also be controlled using the screen 72, which is accessible through the front aperture 70. Of course any number of ports, apertures or buttons are contemplated for the case 50 based on the design of the device 52 being used with the case 50.

The wristband 56 may have various contoured features 84, such as grooves or the like, which provide flexibility to the wristband.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-9, elements of the case 100 that are the same or similar to those shown in FIGS. 1-7 are given the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1-7. Case 100 has a face aperture 70 with a pair of flanges 102 extending from the front portion 62 into the aperture 70. The flanges 102 provide additional retention of the mobile device 52 within the case body 54. In some embodiments a back aperture 74 is defined by the back portion 64 of the case 100.

The side portion 66 of the case body 54 has covers 104 over the buttons 78, ports 80, and inputs 82 of the device 52. The covers 104 may be formed integrally with the case body 54, and may have a reduced thickness over the buttons 78 such that the buttons on the mobile device 52 are easier to activate through the case body 54. The covers 104 are flexible to allow activation of the buttons underneath the covers 104. The case body 54 may also have indicia 106 to locate buttons 78 or features of the device 50 under the case body 54.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-11, elements of the case 150 that are the same or similar to those shown in FIGS. 1-9 are given the same reference numerals as previously used. The wristband 56 is shown as having contoured features 84 and a second set of contoured features 152 to provide a different degree of flexibility to the band 56 in different regions of the band 56.

The case 150 has shoulder regions 154 on the case body 54. The side portion 66 of the case body 54 has a side thickness 156. The shoulder region 154 has a shoulder thickness 158 which is greater than the side thickness 156. The case 150 may also have side support regions 160. The side support regions 160 have a support thickness 162 which is greater than the side thickness 156. The shoulder regions 154 and side support regions 160 provide additional protection for the mobile device 52 when located within the case 150, e.g. to act as impact protection for the device 52, structural support for the case body 54, or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-13, elements of the case 200 that are the same or similar to those shown in FIGS. 1-11 are given the same reference numerals.

The case 200 has a case body 54 which defines an internal recess 68 which is sized to receive a mobile device 52. The mobile device is inserted and removed from the case through a front aperture 70, or a back aperture 74 if one is present. The case body 54 is connected to a wristband 56. The case 200 is shown as having contoured features 84 as well as shoulder regions 154.

The case also has indicia 202 on the front portion 62 of the case body 54 and adjacent to the face aperture 70. In some embodiments, the indicia 202 provide information to a user when used in combination with the mobile device 52 within the case 200, or when used with a mode of the mobile device 52 while located within the case 200. For example, the mobile device 52 may provide hands of a clock while the hour and minute numbering is represented by the indicia. Alternatively, the mobile device 52 may provide a hand that is used in conjunction with the indicia 202 as a measure of elapsed time, as in a diving watch. Other uses of the indicia 202 are also contemplated as are known in the art.

In one embodiment, the indicia 202 are positioned on an element 204 which extends from or is connected to the front portion 62. The element 204 may be ring shaped, such as a bezel ring, or otherwise shaped, and may be made from the same or a different material than the case body 54. In one example, the element 204 is made from the same material as the case body 54 and is integrally formed with the case body 54. In another example, the element 204 is made from a different material than the case body 54 and attached to the case body 54, e.g. the case body 54 is a polymer, and the element 204 is a metal or plastic. The element 204 may be connected to the case body 54 such that is movable relative to the case body 54, i.e. rotationally, to provide additional functionality of the indicia 202. A tactile edge 206 may be placed along a portion or edge of the element 204 to facilitate movement by a user.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-15, elements of the case 250 that are the same or similar to those shown in FIGS. 1-9 are given the same reference numerals. The case 250 has a case body 54 which defines an internal recess 68 which is sized to receive a mobile device 52. The mobile device is inserted and removed from the case through a front aperture 70, or a back aperture 74 if one is present. The case body 54 is connected to a wristband 56.

In some embodiments, the case body 54 has an aperture 76 to allow a headphone jack 252 of a set of headphones 254 to be connected to the audio jack 82 of the mobile device 52 when the device 52 is in the case 250. The case body 54 also has covers 104 over other buttons or switches for the device 52.

A pair of storage members 256 is connected to the case body 54. Of course, the case 250 may have a single storage member 256 or any other number of storage members. A storage member 256 has a first end 258 and a second end 260. As shown, the first and second ends 258, 260 are connected to the case body 54, such that the storage member 256 forms a tubular structure or shape about a cavity 262 with an elongated cross section, although other cross sectional shapes are also contemplated. The headphones 254 can be wrapped or coiled and then placed within the cavity 262 formed by the storage member 256 for storage. The storage member 256 may be made from a flexible or resilient material, such that the headphones 254 expand the storage member 256 when placed within, and the storage member 256 exerts a force and retains the headphones 254. In one embodiment, the storage member 256 has apertures 264 which provide additional flexibility to the storage member 256.

Referring now to FIGS. 16-18, elements of the case 300 that are the same or similar to those shown in FIGS. 1-15 are given the same reference numerals as previously used. The case 300 has a case body 54 which defines an internal recess 68 which is sized to receive a mobile device 52. The mobile device 52 is inserted and removed from the case through a front aperture 70, or a back aperture 74 if one is present. The case body 54 is connected to a wristband 56.

In some embodiments, the case body 54 has an aperture 76 to allow a headphone jack of a set of headphones 254 to be connected to the audio jack of the mobile device 52 when the device 52 is in the case 250.

A storage member 302 is connected to the case body 54. The storage member 302 has a first end 304 and a second end 306. As shown, the first end 304 of the storage member 302 is connected about the circumference or substantially about an outer edge of the case body 54. The second end 306 may be moved between a folded position as shown in FIG. 17 and an unfolded position as shown in FIG. 18. When the storage member 302 is folded, a cavity is formed between the storage member 302 and the remainder of the case 300. The cavity is used to store a headphone set 254 when it is not in use. When the storage member 302 is unfolded, the headphones 254 can be wrapped about the case body 54 for storage or unwrapped from the case body 54 before use.

For example, the storage member 302 and the body 54 form an enclosure when the storage member 302 is folded, and access to the enclosure is provided when the storage member 302 is unfolded.

In one embodiment, the storage member 256 has indicia 308 which may be used in conjunction with a mobile device to provide additional information to a user.

In some embodiments, the wristband 56 of case 300 may be replaced with another type of strap to allow the case 300 to be worn about a different body part of a user, such as with an armband or the like. Alternatively, the case 300 may be equipped without a strap 56, or have a clip or other attachment mechanism in its place.

The case 300 may be made from a single resilient material such as a polymer. In other embodiments, the case 300 is made from multiple materials to provide both flexibility and enhanced structural support to various parts of the case 300. For example, the face portion 62 or the case body 54 may be made from a metal or plastic which provides structure to the case 300 while the storage member may be made from a flexible polymer material.

Referring now to FIGS. 19-20, wearable case 350 has a first shell 352 and a second shell 354. The shells 352, 354 cooperate to form a recess sized to receive a mobile device 356. The case 350 partially surrounds the mobile device 356 such that it allows the case 350 to be worn by a user, preserves the appearance of the device 356, and protects the mobile device 356, e.g. from shocks, etc. The case 350 is designed such that a screen or other portion of the device 356 may be viewable and/or functionally operated by a user. The mobile device 356 may be equipped with a screen 358 and features 360 such as buttons, switches, ports, power jacks and audio jacks.

The first shell 352 has a face aperture 362 which proves viewing and access of the screen 358 when the mobile device 356 is positioned within the case 350. The first and/or second shells 352, 354 also have a series of facets 364. The face aperture 362 may be positioned such that the screen 358 appears as a surface of a facet 364 or as one of the facets 364 of the first shell 352.

The first and second shell 352, 354 connect to one another using one or more fastener. The fastener may be integrally formed with the respective shell or connected to the shell. A male portion of the fastener is located on one shell and a female portion of the fastener is located on the other shell. The fastener is releasable such that the mobile device may be inserted and removed from the case 350 multiple times. The fastener may be a snap, a clip, a friction fitting, or any other fastening mechanism as is known in the art.

The case 350 has a chain 364 which has a first end 366 and a second end 368, both of which may be connected to one of the shells 352, 354 such that the case 350 is worn about the neck of a user. The chain 364 may be equipped with a clasp such that it is removable from the shells 352, 354.

The shells 352, 354 may be made from a plastic material, such as an acrylic, from a metal, a polymer, or with a multi-material construction, such as a acrylic coated with a polymer surface layer.

One of the shells may have a recessed area 370. The recessed area 370 is shown in FIG. 20 on the second shell 354. The recessed area 370 provides access to buttons or controls 360 for the mobile device 356. The recessed area 370 may have an access aperture that provides direct access for the user to the device features 360. Alternatively, the access aperture may be covered or substantially covered with a flexible sheet 372, as shown, which may be a thin layer of a polymer material, or any other resilient material.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-22, wearable case 400 has a first shell 402 and a second shell 404. The shells 402, 404 cooperate to form a tubular structure such as a band or a bangle that a user may wear. The first shell 402 has a recess 406 sized to receive a mobile device 408. The first shell 402 has a face aperture 410 which is connected to the recess 406 and allows the screen of the device 408 to be viewable or accessible by a user when the mobile device 408 is positioned within the case 400.

The first shell 402 has an outer surface 410 and an inner surface 412. The inner surface 412 provides access to the recess 406 for insertion and removal of the mobile device from the case 400. A fitting 414 retains the mobile device within the recess 406, the fitting 414 may be a snap fitting, for example.

The outer surface 410 of the first shell 402 forms a frame around the face aperture 410 and acts to protect the mobile device 408 when inserted in the case 400.

The first shell 402 connects to the second shell 404 by a hinge 416 or other fastener. The hinge 416 may be spring loaded. The free ends of the shells 402, 404 abut one another as shown in FIG. 22 when the hinge 416 is closed such that the shells 402, 404 form a band. When the hinge 414 is open, the free ends of the shells 402 404 are spaced apart and provide a larger diameter band or an opening to assist a user in putting the case 400 onto or off of a wrist.

The first and/or second shells 402, 404 may also have a series of apertures 418 on the outer surfaces. Ornaments 420, such as jewels or the like, may be placed within the aperture 418 to provide a decorative appearance. The apertures 418 are provided such that the ornaments 420 are flush with the outer surface of the respective shell 402, 404.

The side 422 of the first shell 402 may provide an access aperture 424 to the mobile device such that the controls, such as buttons or switches are accessible by a user. In some embodiments, the access aperture 424 is covered by a flexible cover sheet.

The case 400 may be made from a plastic material, such as an acrylic resin or the like, although other materials are also contemplated.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention. 

1. A wearable case for a mobile device comprising: a flexible body defining an internal recess, the flexible body having a front portion defining a face aperture to the recess, a back portion defining a back aperture to the recess, and a side portion; and a wristband extending from the body portion.
 2. The wearable case of claim 1 wherein the back aperture is larger than the face aperture.
 3. The wearable case of claim 1 further comprising at least one aperture on the side of the flexible body portion.
 4. The wearable case of claim 1 wherein side portion has a side thickness; and wherein the body portion includes a shoulder region having a shoulder thickness, the shoulder thickness greater than the side thickness.
 5. The wearable case of claim 1 wherein the body portion surrounding the open back aperture has elasticity to allow for insertion and removal of a mobile device.
 6. The wearable case of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a polymer.
 7. The wearable case of claim 1 further comprising indicia on the front portion of the body and adjacent to the face aperture.
 8. The wearable case of claim 7 wherein the indicia is information providing indicia.
 9. The wearable case of claim 1 wherein the wristband is formed with a contoured feature to provide flexibility.
 10. The wearable case of claim 9 wherein the bezel ring comprises metal.
 11. A wearable case for a mobile device comprising: a flexible body defining an internal recess, the flexible body having a front portion defining a face aperture to the recess; a strap extending from the body portion; and a storage member having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the body.
 12. The wearable case of claim 11 wherein the second end of the storage member is connected to the body, the storage member forming a tubular shape.
 13. The wearable case of claim 12 further comprising a second storage member having a first end and a second end, the first and second ends of the second storage member connected to the body portion opposed to the first storage member, the second storage member forming a tubular shape.
 14. The wearable case of claim 11 wherein the storage member has a plurality of apertures to provide flexibility of the storage member.
 15. The wearable case of claim 11 wherein the first end of the storage member is connected about the circumference of the body portion; and wherein the storage member is foldable.
 16. A wearable case for a mobile device comprising: a first shell having a series of facets, the first shell defining an aperture in place of one of the facets, the first shell having a first fastener portion; a second shell having a series of facets, the second shell having a second fastener portion for mating with the first fastener portion to releasably connect the first and second shells together; and a chain having a first end and a second end, the first and second ends connected to one of the first and second shells.
 17. The wearable case of claim 16 wherein the first and second shells comprise acrylic.
 18. The wearable case of claim 16 wherein a recessed side region of the second shell defines an access aperture.
 19. The wearable case of claim 18 further comprising a flexible sheet substantially covering the access aperture.
 20. A wearable case for a mobile device comprising: a first shell having a first end and a second end and defining a face aperture, the shell having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a recessed fitting adjacent to the face aperture for receiving a mobile device; a second shell having a first end and a second end; and a hinge connecting the first end of the first shell to the first end of the second shell; wherein the second end of the first shell and the second end of the second shell abut one another when the hinge is closed such that the first and second shells form a band.
 21. The wearable case of claim 20 wherein the hinge is spring loaded.
 22. The wearable case of claim 20 wherein the outer surface of the first shell defines a plurality of apertures for receiving ornaments.
 23. The wearable case of claim 20 wherein the recessed fitting is a snap fitting. 